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Braque du Bourbonnais
Sporting breed from Bourbonnais region, France
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Braque du Bourbonnais
The Braque du Bourbonnais is a medium-sized sporting dog from the Bourbonnais region of France. It has a short coat that is white with brown or fawn ticking, often described as speckled. The breed is known for being gentle, intelligent, loyal, calm, affectionate, and adaptable. Its energy level is moderate (3 out of 5), and it is generally trainable (4 out of 5). Grooming needs are low (2 out of 5), and shedding is also low (2 out of 5). The breed is rated well for compatibility with children (4 out of 5) and other dogs (4 out of 5), and it can adapt to apartment living (3 out of 5). Adult males and females both weigh between 18 and 26 kg and stand 50 to 57 cm tall. The estimated lifespan is 12 to 15 years. Recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Braque du Bourbonnais at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupSporting
OriginBourbonnais region, France
Lifespan12–15 years
Male weight18–26 kilogram
Female weight18–26 kilogram
Male height50–57 centimetre
Female height50–57 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Braque du Bourbonnais is one of the most ancient French pointing breeds, with documentation dating back to the 16th century. It originated in the Bourbonnais region of France. The breed nearly became extinct after World War II but was successfully restored in the 1970s by dedicated breeders using remaining bloodlines, following French and FCI standards. Its history is closely tied to its role as a pointing dog, though specific working purposes are not detailed in the available facts. As an ancient breed, the Braque du Bourbonnais has a long heritage in France, but its exact historical development is not fully documented. The restoration efforts in the 1970s were crucial to its survival, relying on a small number of remaining dogs. Today, the breed's recognition status varies by registry, meaning it is not universally recognized by all kennel clubs. The breed's compact, agile build and distinctive speckled coat are noted in historical descriptions, but specific dates or events beyond the 16th-century documentation and 1970s restoration are not provided.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
18–26 kilogramAdult weight50–57 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShortCoat colorsWhite with brown or fawn ticking, SpeckledRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Gentleintelligentloyalcalmaffectionateadaptable
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Moderate compared with other breeds
Typically responsive to training
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Lower shedding tendency
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Braque du Bourbonnais-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
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Growth chart
Braque du Bourbonnais puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight18–26 kilogramAdult female weight18–26 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Braque du Bourbonnais?
The Braque du Bourbonnais is a medium-sized breed. Adult males and females both weigh between 18 and 26 kg and stand 50 to 57 cm tall. The estimated lifespan is 12 to 15 years. These measurements are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the temperament of the Braque du Bourbonnais?
The breed is described as gentle, intelligent, loyal, calm, affectionate, and adaptable. However, individual dogs may vary, and not every dog will display all these traits consistently.
How much exercise does a Braque du Bourbonnais need?
The breed has a moderate energy level (3 out of 5), so it requires regular exercise but is not excessively high-energy. Activities like daily walks and playtime should suffice, but individual needs may vary.
What are the grooming requirements for a Braque du Bourbonnais?
Grooming needs are low (2 out of 5) due to the short coat. Shedding is also low (2 out of 5). Occasional brushing and bathing as needed are typically sufficient.
Is the Braque du Bourbonnais good for families with children or other dogs?
The breed is rated well for compatibility with children (4 out of 5) and other dogs (4 out of 5), suggesting it generally gets along well. However, individual temperament and socialization play important roles.
Can a Braque du Bourbonnais live in an apartment?
The breed has an apartment suitability score of 3 out of 5, indicating it can adapt to apartment living but may do best with adequate exercise and space. Individual dogs may have different needs.
Where does the Braque du Bourbonnais originate from?
The breed originates from the Bourbonnais region of France. It is one of the most ancient French pointing breeds, documented since the 16th century.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.